Online archive of Steam Sawmill

With this project, I've decided to initially make it an online archive of photographs, letters, media clippings, videos, and drawings. Later I can work on compiling it into a book!

Collins family photo

Left to right: Mike Collins, Dick Collins, Gwen Collins (nee Cheesewright), Dave Collins and Pete Collins.

This classic 1970's photograph is one of my favourites. It was on the mantelpiece above our fireplace for years while I was growing up. I love the colours: beige, tan, brown, khaki and mustard. It's great composition too!

100-year-old Tangye steam engine fully restored

This is a video that my brother Bevan took about 5 years ago. My Dad fully restored this 100-year-old Tangye steam engine.

Beautiful junk

Today I want to share with you a few images from the inside of the sawmill. I find great beauty in old, time-worn piles or collections of tools and machinery. As you look at these photos, imagine the warmth from the inside of the mill, and the hissing, sharp, wet, clean smell of steam - and you'll be where I am: in absolute bliss!

Multiple circular saws hanging on the wall next to my Dad's work area.

Tools, old cans, spare parts lined up on the shelf.

The tool outlines look so cool.

A mysterious lineup! Clearly these items have been sitting here a long time - they are thickly coated in sawdust. I think these were my Grandpa's. I have no idea what the first object is - I'll have to ask my Dad!

This is amazing. This old, beautiful junk has been sitting up here for as long as I can remember. It's all steam-related.

A shelf full of... who knows? It's so thickly coated in sawdust! This old stuff has been sitting there for years and to me it is just so beautiful!

All photos copyright Penny Collins 2011.

Book about Collins Bros. Steam Sawmill, Kerikeri, New Zealand

Hi there! My name is Penny Collins.

My father Dave Collins and his brother Mike started a steam-powered sawmill in 1981. After Mike moved away from Kerikeri, my mother Maree and my Dad ran the sawmill together.

I am going to write a book about it!

In the meantime, here's some links to content I found on the internet about the mill. Please note that the mill has now been sold to Max Birt.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/northland/bay-chronicle/174308
http://www.pab-opto.de/pers/museums/collinsbro.html
http://www.communities.co.nz/SteamSawMill/Feature.cfm?WPID=4579
http://www.steam.co.nz/collins.html
http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/local/news/its-now-full-steam-ahead/3711142/
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/northland/bay-chronicle/174308